Radioactive substances found in landfill site water run-off

Water samples taken from a landfill site which collapsed in the south of Luxembourg have been found to contain high levels of radioactive lead and potassium.

07.04.2015

Water samples taken from a landfill site which collapsed in the south of Luxembourg have been found to contain high levels of radioactive lead and potassium.

While the discovery is not considered to be a direct risk to humans and animals, the anomalies in samples from the Mondercange landfill site are to be further analysed.

The origin of the strains of contaminants has yet to be clarified but, experts say they are not connected to the waste deposited at the landfill site.

"A cow drinking water from the Kiemel stream will not drop dead," said Roger Spautz of Greenpeace. "But, you have to ask yourself about the effects of long-term exposure and why these numbers are not published."

Bio-Monitor was commissioned in late October to analyse samples at the site because of high mineral concentrations found in effluent below the A4 motorway, near Mondercange.
Sediment and water quality were tested.